Shared activities among neighbors can help build a tight-knit communuty, and community gardens do just that.
By Nate Paige
Photos by Robert Muller
Located at 3629 Rolliston Road, the Rolliston Community Garden celebrates 15 years of neighbors helping neighbors while further beautifying a residential street. It all started back in 2009 when a Rolliston Road home across the street from Andrea Nicola’s house was torn down. Nicola’s then-boyfriend suggested adding a garden to the empty lot and approached the City with the idea, but it wasn’t approved.
Then a block party sparked new interest and plans. “We had a block party that year, and we asked neighbors if they were interested in gardening. We formed a small group to spearhead a community garden project. Soon after, we formed a nonprofit group, created a logo, and drew up plans,” says Nicola. They presented their proposal to City Council and the Planning Commission, and it was approved.
The group became pioneers of sorts, as this was the first-ever community garden in Shaker created on City-owned property. In 2010, the garden became a reality, with 30 four-foot by 10-foot raised beds, and the response by residents was immediate. Gardening fees are $35 per year and cover the cost of water. Participants are required to commit to at least six hours of service per growing season with garden upkeep, divided among the members, based on ability.
Members range in age from teens to over 65. “Families are assigned individual plots and can plant whatever they want,” says Nicola. “The only restriction is they can’t plant anything permanent, invasive, or dangerous.” The most popular plantings are tomatoes, peppers, kale, herbs, and flowers.
Andrea Nicola, left, and Gloria Vaquera-Little, founding
board members of The Community Garden
“We have approximately 25 people contributing to the garden from a variety of backgrounds,” says Gloria Vaquera-Little. “It’s a unique space where different people of all ages and races can come together and have conversations.”
Some of those contributions move beyond planting. The garden is now adorned with brand-new signage, created by fellow gardener Connie Pieper. Marie Vegh devoted her 2023 Eagle Scout project to supporting gardeners with mobility issues. She designed, built, and installed planter benches for comfortable and beautiful seating after observing some of the aged members working in the garden.
Nicola and Vaquera-Little, the two remaining founding members, currently serve on the garden’s board along with Dale Angney, Dawn McFadden, and Christine Vegh.
Of course, with any endeavor, there are always challenges.
“Getting volunteers to do the physical labor has been the biggest challenge,” says Nicola. “There’s always interest, but some of our gardeners aren’t capable of doing the heavy lifting.” Vaquera-Little’s 14-year-old son mows the lawn and everyone keeps an eye on the wildlife, mainly deer and groundhogs.
In addition to annual fees, fundraising events are held every year. This year’s goal is to raise enough money to purchase fencing.
“Our garden is still going strong and it’s a perfect example of one of the many things Shaker does well,” says Vaquera-Little.
Shaker Heights residents can apply to participate in the garden through the website at www.gardensofshaker.org. The garden has remained at capacity since its inception, and there is currently a waiting list of gardeners
